Hoffman Applauds Governor’s Move to Increase Access to Telehealth Services Amid COVID-19 Crisis

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – To inform residents of increased access to health care services during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is highlighting the governor’s recent executive order that expands access to telehealth services for Illinois residents to receive medical care from out-of-state physicians.

“Because of our unique geographical proximity to Missouri, many local residents in the Metro East area receive health care beyond Illinois borders,” Hoffman said. “To clarify any confusion regarding Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order, residents with existing health plans across state lines are still able to utilize telehealth services as we continue to observe social distancing.”

Gov. JB Pritzker recently issued an executive order that authorizes out-of-state physicians and other health care workers to treat Illinois patients via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out-of-state physicians wishing to treat Illinois patients during this time must get a temporary license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) by visiting https://idfpr.com/Renewals/Apply/Forms/F2398.pdf. There is no fee to apply and once approved, the physician will be authorized to provide care to Illinois patients through September 30.

“Our state is working around the clock to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19 to prevent it from reaching excessively high levels,” said Hoffman. “It is critically important that we take these drastic steps in order to save lives and work to mitigate overwhelming the health care system. These telehealth services are increasingly important tools which are helping Illinoisans receive access to the care they need to overcome this public health crisis.”